The Israeli Ethiopian Community: With Yuvi Tashome and Nir Katz of Friends by Nature April 23, 2009

Israel at 61: Seeking to Fulfill the Promise

"The State of Israel…will ensure complete equality of social and political rights to all its inhabitants irrespective of religion, race or gender."

During the week that we mark the 61st anniversary of the founding of the State of Israel, join us to meet four leaders and activists from the NIF family who are addressing a range of challenges facing Israel and shaping the country’s future.

Friends by Nature (Chaverim BaTeva) was established by a group of Ethiopian Israelis and veteran Israelis, both religious and secular, to empower immigrant communities within Israel by strengthening their sense of identity, strengthening the family unit, and creating a greater appreciation for their unique cultural background. The program focuses on all ages, bridging gaps within the community and between immigrant communities and Israeli society.

Nir Katz is the Director of Friends by Nature, and has trained dozens of youth volunteers and Amharic-speaking counselors. Previously, he founded and directed the Multicultural Orienteering Program within the Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel (SPNI), which worked with immigrant youth at risk.

Yuvi Tashome is the Gedera Community Garin Director at Friends by Nature. She came to Israel from Ethiopia through Sudan as part of Operation Moses, when she was five years old. Prior to joining the organization, she worked as a guide for SPNI's Multicultural Orienteering Program.

Official Website: http://www.nifjoin.org/site/Calendar/748228324?view=RSVP&id=100601